Russell Investments updates its state-of-the-economy dashboard. Among accountants, confidence in the global economy improved substantially in early 2012. USA Today reports that some economists are upping their 2012 forecasts. A Wells Fargo strategist says the economy is looking up. So far this quarter, 79 percent of American companies have beaten earnings forecasts. Mark Perry predicts a shale-based economic boom: “low-cost energy provided primarily by shale gas production advances will almost certainly contribute to an investment boom across the U.S. economy.” Barry Ritholtz says the economy is where it’s supposed to be. But Marc Faber says the fiscal condition of the United States is a “catastrophe.” Michael Snyder lists 22 red flags that indicate serious doom. A new study by Manta finds that most small business owners didn’t hire a single employee in the first three months of 2012. Jeffrey Rosen asks where the small-business recovery is.

An entrepreneur finds out what happens when all of his wildest dreams come true. The Economist predicts that the digitization of manufacturing will transform the way goods are made — and change the politics of jobs, too. Ever wonder what happy people have in common? Barbara Corcoran says that incorporating fun into your business is essential: “It is the way to get the best ideas and bring together your employees.” Lewis Love says that employing international students will enhance the quality of your staff: “They possess a strong knowledge of their subject area but lack the time and experience required to secure a top-paying full-time position.” Kentin Waits says complaining is good. Groupon’s chief executive drinks too much beer. This frog thinks he’s human.

Crowdsource investors are advised to beware of fraud. Facebook sees a drop in revenue prior to its offering. Hundreds of small banks still can’t afford to pay off their Federal bailout loans. Kevin Drum explains why Wall Street “hates” President Obama. Small-business loans are reportedly on the rise. Jay Snider warns not to make these five business plan mistakes, including typos: “They’re unprofessional and signal a lack of attention to detail, and when an investor has a stack of plans to read, that could be all he or she needs to see to make the decision to pass your business over.”

Red Tape Update: Health Insurance

The president of the National Federation of Independent Business says that health care and taxes are the top issues for small businesses. A study finds fewer employers are offering health insurance. George Lundberg shares six ways to save a trillion health care dollars. Health care apps soar in popularity. Dan Danner asks why the National Labor Relations Board is targeting small businesses. Research from Sage North America concludes that most small-business owners don’t consider their outside accountant a business partner. Owners of roll-your-own tobacco shops fear that a new law will put them out of business.

Things to consider before buying a business. Dave Thomas lists a few questions, such as, “How would you best describe your customer base? Talk with the current owner and get a snapshot of the customers he or she currently has. Going into a potential sale without knowing who you might be working with is a major mistake. You also will want a measuring stick for the local economy where you will possibly be purchasing a business so that you’re not going into a potential disaster scenario, whereby you come out the loser financially.”

Reasons not to discount. Vanessa Merit Nornberg says, “Discounts proclaim, in a silent but deadly manner, that what you are selling is worse than, or at best equivalent to, the product of your competitor — and customers are smart enough to know it. Relationships are built on the confidence your customers feel in your products, and the assurance they get from buying what they know to be quality. Discounts wipe out these two brand essentials and leave your business in a very risky position in both customers’ minds and the marketplace.”

Today’s Questions: How many of you think that doing a daily deal cheapens your brand?

Gene Marks owns the Marks Group, a Bala Cynwyd, Pa., consulting firm that helps clients with customer relationship management. You can follow him on Twitter.

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You're the Boss offers an insider's perspective on small-business ownership. It gives business owners a place where they can compare notes, ask questions, get advice, and learn from one another's mistakes. The blog also offers analysis of policy issues, and suggests investing tips.